[1][2][3] Cai is notable for performing sketch comedy in CCTV New Year's Gala since 1991.
Cai was born into an educated family in Beijing on October 21, 1961, and she is of Hui ethnic group, the daughter of Tian Hua (Chinese: 田华), a doctor, and Cai Yuping (Chinese: 蔡毓平), a professor at Capital University of Economics and Business.
After graduating from junior high school, Cai entered the Beijing Film Studio Troupe.
In 1973, she starred in Xie Tieli's film Haixia (Chinese: 海霞), and this made her become famous overnight.
Since July 2020, she has been working as a voice actress for Virtual YouTuber Nanako, who belongs to VirtuaReal Star.